New York restaurateur Elaine Kaufman dies

Elaine Kaufman, owner of one of the most famous celebrity havens in Manhattan has died. Kaufman, who presided over her legendary Upper East Side restaurant named Elaine's for almost half a century, died a short time after noon today, her rep tells the Daily News. She was 81.

Kaufman suffered from pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Long-time customers over the years ranged from Jackie O. to Jack Nicholson, with regulars including Michael Caine, Lauren Bacall and Woody Allen, whose romance with Mia Farrow began there.

And Elaine loved writers. Among the authors who frequented her place were George Plimpton, Gay Talese, Tom Wolfe, William Stryon, Norman Mailer and Tennessee Williams.

The News notes that an oft-repeated tale had Kaufman allowing one writer to keep a massive tab during dry spells - only to have him return years later, pay the bill in full and leave a $5,000 tip.

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